Senator Loren Legarda today encouraged Filipinos to make each day of the year an Earth Day, stressing that taking action to protect and preserve the environment should not be limited to a day or two.

Legarda made the statement at the tree-growing activity organized by Luntiang Pilipinas in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation (SKNF), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the City Government of Marikina.

"Let every day be Earth Day. We should not limit ourselves to celebrating it once or twice a year--during Earth Day and World Environment Day. We should celebrate it each day of the year because environmental issues matter to our own survival. Our love for Mother Earth reflects our love for life, for our children and our families," Legarda stressed.

"Tree-growing is just one of the many ways by which we can contribute to protecting our environment. We must protect our watersheds, clean our lakes and rivers, and practice solid waste management. We must preserve old trees while growing new ones, and create forest parks in every barangay. I urge our Sangguniang Kabataan officials to lead tree-growing activities all over the country," she added.

The Senator also encouraged Filipinos to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle to help protect the planet. Citizens can start within their own households by (1) patronizing local, plant-based, and in-season foods; (2) considering energy and cost-efficient transport modes like walking, biking, taking public transport and carpooling; (3) practicing traditional energy conservation measures such as using low-wattage appliances and unplugging electronics when not in use; (4) contributing to efficient waste management system by avoiding buying unnecessary goods and patronizing recycled products; and (5) practicing water conservation activities like gathering and storing rainwater or reusing laundry water for daily chores.

"Our commitment to save our planet and contribute to the sustainability of our nation will be best demonstrated when we make it our way of life, and there is no better day to begin than today," Legarda concluded.